Ralph Zimmermann had never been to the United States before undertaking 3,000-mile bike race across the country

In his first trip to the United States, German cyclist Ralph Zimmermann saw more of the country than many Americans will ever see.

Race Across America event staff members stood and cheered as the 43-year-old Zimmermann, a rider for the four-man German cycling team "forever-ghost" pulled into the time station in front of Sheetz on Baltimore Pike, swapping places with his teammate Stephan Loew. The station is one of the last of 55 stops in the ultra endurance bicycle race.

"I'm happy it's almost over, but it was a great experience," he said. "This stage gets a little bit easier because you can see an end. Your positive emotions arise and it is pretty satisfying to see your dream come true."

A cyclist for 25 years, Zimmermann had never even set foot in the United States before. He said the Rockies were the most difficult part of the journey, adding that the start of the Appalachian Mountains tested him after so many miles already traveled. The desert was very hot, but with a tailwind, they were able to ride up to 50 miles per hour, and the Great Plains provided a difficult challenge when a strong wind from the right nearly pushed them off the road.

"I have learned never to be panicked," he said.

Zimmermann said he has been dealing with a right knee injury, but it has improved as he neared the end of the race. He had two more shifts to go before the end of the race, a trek of 85.6 miles to Annapolis, Md. He said the 3,000-mile race is the longest he's ever been a part of, surpassing an 800 kilometer stage race in Italy.

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Zimmermann was impressed with the solidarity among the riders and said that he was impressed by the support given by so many Americans who have watched them ride through their towns.

In a lonely area of Trinidad, Col., an older man approached the team with a brick which had the name of his town engraved on the side.

"I don't know you, but you should remember me," the old man said. "This is an experience that you will never forget."

The team is named after it's biggest sponsors, Forever Living Products that sells wellness and beauty products, and Ghost, a German bicycle company. He said part of their budget goes toward one charity that helps set up schools in Somalia and another that stands against domestic violence.

HANOVER CYCLERS&GT;&GT; During 11 of the last 12 years, Rich Shaffer has led a group of dedicated volunteers who clock the times for each biker as they roll through Hanover.

He said he has seen nearly every biker come through the station since he started.

"Once I had to miss a few because my grandson got married," he said. "I don't know why he did that."

Shaffer said more than 13 people were on hand this year as the race's leader, Christoph Strasser of Finland, passed through after midnight Wednesday. The solo cyclist finished the race in seven days, 15 hours and 56 minutes, setting a new course record.

"His motor crew stopped to talk, but he blasted right through here," Shaffer said.

Other riders stop to take a bit of a breather, he said. Nico Valsesia of Italy hoped to keep moving, but his support staff made him take a rest because he was beginning to see things, Shaffer said.

Two of Shaffer's newest volunteers, Stacey Tate, 48, and Harry Gruber, 51, both of Hanover began working as event staff last year. Tate, who works at Royal Farms on Carlisle Street, said she missed the last day of the event last year, because she had to return to work. This year she decided to take a vacation.

"I didn't realize how interested I'd be when I started watching them come through," she said. "I'm amazed these people can ride 3,000 miles."

Tate rode a bike as a youngster, but began again at the request of her boyfriend, Gruber.

A former medic for the Army Rangers, Gruber said he enjoys waiting for veteran racers to ride through. Before the Intrepid Fallen Heroes rolled into Hanover, Gruber searched for the group on Facebook, promising to provide them with candy bars when they arrived.

Five years ago, Gruber had a stroke and was told he would never ride again, but he refused to give up one of his favorite passions. Now, five days a week he rides 25 to 50 miles per day.

Gruber was inspired by a team of riders called "Fuzzy's Friends," with members' whose average age is 71.

"Failure wasn't an option," he said. "I'm not as strong as I used to be, but I'm still out there."